Monday, May 28, 2012
Sunday, February 01, 2009 Judith asks

Q: Aura involving loss of speech where I knew what I wanted to say but couldn't.

I lost my power of speech while talking to a friend in another province and then had difficulty dialing my husband's number. Never thought of speed dial or to dial 911. I felt detached from myself. A headache started and was about 4/10 pain wise - within 10 mins it was down to 2/10. When I got hold of my husband I explained what happened and he said he was on his way home. I then phoned my friend and told her what happened - she said she was on her way. I learned afterwards that all I said to my husband was "point, point, point.." and all I said to my friend was "no words, no words, no words". I can hear my voice telling both what happened. It lasted about 10 min. then I did have my full speech back and was able to describe what happened to the 911 operator who called me. Has this disconnect between what you think is being said and what is really been said a common part of this type of aura migraine?

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Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide
2/ 2/09 10:07pm

Hi Judith,

 

Yes, it is possible to have difficulty finding words and/or speaking during the aura phase of a Migraine attack. This is called aphasia. Just how much difficulty depends on each person. 

 

 There are four phases of a Migraine attack: prodrome, aura, headache and postdrome. Not everyone experiences each phase. I've never had an aura, somtimes people don't have the headache phase, and have acephalgic or silent Migraine. For more details continue reading: Anatomy of a Migraine

 

Good luck

Nancy

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By Judith— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 02/01/09